Diverse UK Sensory Calm Space Festival Volunteer Registration 2025

About Diverse

Diverse is an independent charity organisation run for and by people who identify as Autistic or Neurodiverse in the Bristol, Bath, North East Somerset, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire areas.

We are a social model charity that organises activities for people, run by individuals who identify as Autistic or Neurodivergent. One of the most valuable ways we recruit new supporters is through our Festivals and Events Sensory Calm Space teams, who inform the public about our social groups and activities.

Our volunteers help set up the sensory space, assist the core team in supporting a fantastic project, talk to customers when they feel overwhelmed, and represent Diverse UK at festivals and events, therefore increasing the awareness of neurodiversity at these places.

Each volunteer must have a good knowledge of Autism and how it can affect someone’s ability to socialise (this can be from personal experience), especially in a festival environment. Volunteers must be able to talk confidently and positively to members of the public when they come into the space and also about what we generally do as a charity.
(England and Wales, Charity No.1170255)

What are our Sensory Calm Spaces:

We are proud to say that Diverse UK are the leading provider of neurodivergent event provisions in the UK. Our spaces provide a safe, low-level stimulation and recalibration zone for those on the Autistic Spectrum, who are Neurodivergent or for those who need a place to have a moment of calm rather than having to leave an event.

Diverse is a charity that exists to provide social contact for people who have a diagnosis of or identify as Autistic. We are about helping autistic people develop social networks and self-confidence using their interests and ultimately reducing social isolation. Our spaces promote diversity in the music and events industry and create a neurodivergent community for those who otherwise would not be able to attend without our support. 

Volunteer Role:  Sensory Calm Space Volunteer

Reports to: Calm Space Manager

Hours: Approximately 6 to 18 hours, spread out over a weekend, depending on whether it is a camping or non-camping festival.

For camping festivals, the hours are typically divided into three sessions of 6 to 8 hours each. This schedule spans from when you arrive until the festival ends, usually occurring over Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or Monday.

Working Relationships:

You will work with various individuals, including autistic/neurodivergent people in distress, other customers with accessibility needs, the Diverse Sensory Calm Space Team, other volunteers, and members of the public.

Benefits: Free festival (crew) ticket, a meal token when you are on shift and access to crew camping areas and facilities.

(We are also recruiting paid Managers and Assistants to set up and run the spaces. If you are interested, please tick the relevant box below and see the complete application form link to apply separately).

Please Note: Some of the festivals on the list below are not yet confirmed; it is just good to know who would be interested if they were to go ahead.

What do volunteers do (dependent on what shift you are on)?

• Arrive on time for your working shift/day.
• Assist management with the set-up and takedown of equipment and update the inventory spreadsheet when asked to. (The job might involve some heavy lifting, putting up drapes, and making the space a little piece of sensory heaven.)
• Assist with ensuring the Calm Space is kept clean and safe, for example, cleaning surfaces with sanitiser.
• Help to cover other volunteers or staff breaks or collect food/drinks for those on shift.
• Raise awareness around Diverse UK and what we do with festival-goers when asked.
• Ensure that registered Accessibility Customers (people with a preregistered accessibility wristband) are welcomed into the space.
• Talk to people who present in distress, express that they are neurodivergent and need somewhere to calm down for a while in an appropriate manner. 
• Count stock of Diverse t-shirts, mugs, etc, if asked to and make a note of them.
• Camp with your own camping gear, if you wish to assist with a camping festival.
• Help the Sensory Space Team secure the Tent and all its contents safely at the end of the night.
• Occasionally, photograph aspects of the festival if requested.
   

(If you are interested in volunteering at Glastonbury, this is only available to people who have volunteered with us many times, so unfortunately, it is not on this form as an option).

Volunteer Bonds: 

When submitting your application, we ask that you submit your Bond at the same time. Camping show bonds are £175, and non-camping events are £50 (unless they are non-ticketed and free to attend).

Your Bond will be fully refunded after you have completed your allocated shifts, but more information will be sent out when you have been formally offered a place. (Please contact Alli@diverseuk.org if you have questions before applying.)

This year, you will be able to choose up to five shows to put your name against in the order that you want to do them first to last. (Don't worry; you can do more if you want to by letting us know in the comments box.)

For instance:

1st Choice = Download,
2nd Choice = Love Saves The Day,
3rd Choice = Wilderness,
4th Choice = Leeds Festival
5th ect....

If camping festivals are on your list above, you will automatically need to pay £175 at the point of submission. This will then act as a rolling Bond for all events.

If you are not successful in getting a place on your first choice, we will automatically try to find you a place on your second preference, and so on. If you are unsuccessful in finding a spot on all of your list, we will contact you directly to see if you want any other shows or want your Bond refunded.

(If you have volunteered with us before and are returning, you will need to pay a Bond of £10, which will go towards your Diverse T shirt. Please contact Alli@diverseuk.org if you have any quetsions).

For more informationabout our volunteer Bond policy please contact Alli@diverseuk.org

 

Please feel free to select multiple festivals... the more the merrier! If you want to do more than five just let us know in the comments below.  Frequently people become friends and regulars who move across shows over the summer, which is great! 

Please bear in mind that for camping festivals you will usually be expected to complete 3 x 6-8-hour shifts or equivalent in return for your ticket and meals whilst working. This means that for camping festivals you will need to arrive at the festival the day before it opens for a briefing. There are some exceptions to this which are dealt withon a case by case basis and at the managers discretion. 

 

Please note that the dates above are only the advertised days (when the festival is open). We frequently need volunteers on either side of the dates above as that is when the build and take down happens. Therefore, If you would prefer to do shifts helping set up, etc., these are potential options, too. Please let us know in the comments box below if you are available on either side of the shows.

We are currently actively recruiting for Paid Sensory Space Yeam Members for 2025 season. If you are interested in this then please click on the document below and follow the link to the full application form to apply separately. 

Sensory Calm Space Managers Application Form 2025 Season

NB: Please be aware that the information you have shared is subject the Data Protection Laws and will only be used in relation to volunteering at festivals and will not be passed on to any third parties without your consent.